He crossed the room, Bettina followed him with her eyes.
Mrs. Norton had just placed herself at the piano to play a waltz for the young people.
Paul de Lavardens approached Miss Percival.
“Will you do me the honor, Miss Percival?”
“I believe I have just promised this dance to Monsieur Jean,” she replied.
“Well, if not to him, will you give it to me?”
“That is understood.”
Bettina walked toward Jean, who had seated himself near Mrs. Scott.
“I have just told a dreadful story,” said she. “Monsieur de Lavardens has asked me for this dance, and I replied that I had promised it to you. You would like it, wouldn’t you?”
To hold her in his arms, to breathe the perfume of her hair—Jean felt his courage could not support this ordeal, he dared not accept.